LFVA Fall Speaker Event Recap
Stephanie Decker is a name that resonates with strength, resilience, and determination. Her story is one that has touched the hearts of millions around the world. A mother, a survivor, and an advocate, Stephanie’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. And on the afternoon of September 28th, the LFVA was fortunate to hear her speak at the St. Regis Hotel.
In March of 2012, tragedy struck when a devastating tornado tore through Henryville, Indiana. In an act of sheer bravery, she used her own body as a shield, protecting her two children from falling debris. However, this selfless act came at a great cost.
Stephanie lost both of her legs in the tornado, but her spirit remained unbroken. Her unwavering determination to overcome adversity became an inspiration to all who heard her story. Her resilience and positive attitude in the face of such a life-altering event are truly remarkable.
In the years since losing her legs and being told that she would never walk again, not only has she learned to walk, but run and even surf. Stephanie met with (then) President Obama imploring him to make cutting edge prosthetics available to the general public and first responders rather than just the military. About 8 months later Stephanie received her own set of these prosthetics directly from President Obama and soon after they were available to all people. Stephanie has turned her passion for children and sports into a mission to help children with prosthetics so they may enjoy sports and the same athletic opportunities as others. She is hands-on with many charities and has worked with the State of Kentucky legislation to make better laws for people with disabilities to access better technology. She became an advocate for disaster preparedness and founded the Stephanie Decker Foundation, which aims to support and empower individuals with disabilities.
Seeing Stephanie speak is an experience that leaves a lasting impact on anyone fortunate enough to witness it. Her words are filled with hope, courage, and a deep appreciation for life. She shares her story with raw honesty, allowing her audience to connect with her on a profound level.
Stephanie’s words and actions remind us that we are capable of overcoming any challenge and that our greatest strength lies within ourselves. Instead of succumbing to despair, she chose to rise above her circumstances and use her experience to make a difference.
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